Lightning strike may be to blame for fire at Kentucky business

LONDON, Ky. (WKYT) – Witnesses say their surveillance cameras recorded a lightning strike, and moments later, fire swept through Huffman and Huffman Eye Surgeons on Main Street in London.

A thunderstorm was rolling through London Sunday afternoon when firefighters were quickly called to the North Main St. business for a fire in its roof.

“My first reaction was that it’s really bad. They are not going to put that out fast, there were flames coming out probably 10 feet high, from the roof, said owner James Huffman.

Fire officials say the exact cause isn’t known just yet, but people nearby say they have video evidence of a lightning strike.

“This gentleman over here actually filmed it through his ring doorbell. You can hear it and see it,” Huffman said.

Multiple fire departments battled the flames and five firefighters were sent to the hospital, or treated on scene for various injuries.

“The people transported were actually the first ones on scene, the original interior crew on the scene,” said London Fire Dept. Captain Brandon Wagers.

The business owners believe the building will have to be demolished, but they say they will be able to operate from another location. They may be down, but they’re not out.

They will be open for business Tuesday at London Women’s Care on Meyers Baker Road.

“We have had people helping us all day, bringing covered trailers and moving things out. We are blessed to have this many friends,” said Huffman.

They’ve been in operation for 33 years, and nothing like this has ever happened. They’re praying lightning does not strike twice.

The London Fire Dept. says they will do a cause of origin to determine what started the fire.

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